options

Waterjet cutting offers several advantages over laser cutting:

No heat-affected zone (HAZ)
No thermal distortion or material hardening
Suitable for reflective materials such as copper and aluminum
Capable of cutting thick materials
One machine can process a wide variety of materials
Smooth edges with minimal secondary finishing
Ideal for heat-sensitive materials such as rubber, plastics, foam, and composites

Laser cutting is generally faster for thin sheet metal, while waterjet provides greater material versatility and superior edge quality

A standard waterjet cutting system consists of five major components:

High-pressure pump
Cutting table
Cutting head (motion system)
CNC control system
Abrasive feeding system (not required for pure water cutting)

Depending on local conditions and customer requirements, additional systems may be recommended, including:

Chiller system
Water purification system
Abrasive removal and water filtration system

Choosing the proper waterjet system starts with understanding your application.

First, determine the maximum workpiece dimensions (length, width, and thickness), which will define the required table size.

Next, consider your cutting requirements, production volume, and operating environment to select the appropriate pump configuration. Similar to the difference between a compact car engine and an off-road vehicle engine, different pumps are designed for different workloads and productivity levels.

The requirements of the finished part or subsequent manufacturing processes will determine whether a 5-axis cutting head with taper compensation or bevel cutting capability is needed. More demanding applications generally require more advanced cutting head options.

In addition, your workshop environment and operational preferences will influence the accessories and auxiliary systems required. Depending on your needs, optional equipment may include:

Multiple cutting heads
Automatic abrasive feeding system
Chiller system
Water treatment system
Abrasive removal and filtration system
Laser positioning
Height sensing system
Anti-collision protection
Drilling system and other productivity-enhancing options

Our engineers can help you select the most cost-effective configuration based on your materials, production requirements, and future expansion plans, ensuring that you invest only in the features you truly need.

APW provides comprehensive support throughout the entire project, including but not limited to:

Before Purchase
Machine selection and custom configuration
Free cutting tests
Factory visits or live online tours
Quotation and shipping recommendations
After Purchase
Production progress updates
Packaging and logistics information
Customs clearance guidance
Foundation and layout drawings
On-site installation assistance
Maintenance training
Cutting parameter and software setup support

Our goal is to ensure that you can start production smoothly and receive long-term technical support throughout the lifetime of your machine.